CVE-2018-8868

Medtronic MyCareLink Patient Monitor Exposed Dangerous Method or Function

Description

Medtronic 24950 MyCareLink Monitor and 24952 MyCareLink Monitor contains debug code meant to test the functionality of the monitor's communication interfaces, including the interface between the monitor and implantable cardiac device. An attacker with physical access to the device can exploit other vulnerabilities to access this debug functionality. This debug functionality provides the ability to read and write arbitrary memory values to implantable cardiac devices via inductive or short range wireless protocols. An attacker with close physical proximity to a target implantable cardiac device can use this debug functionality.

Remediation

Solution:

  • Medtronic will release several rolling over-the-air product updates that will mitigate the vulnerabilities described within this advisory. These updates will be applied to devices automatically as part of standard, reoccurring update processes. In addition, Medtronic has increased security monitoring of affected devices and related infrastructure. Medtronic has released additional patient focused information, at the following location: https://www.medtronic.com/security

Workaround:

  • Medtronic recommends users take additional defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of these vulnerabilities. Specifically, users should: * Maintain good physical controls over the home monitor as the best mitigation to these vulnerabilities.   * Only use home monitors obtained directly from their healthcare provider or a Medtronic representative to ensure integrity of the system. * Report any concerning behavior regarding their home monitor to their healthcare provider or a Medtronic representative. Medtronic has released additional patient focused information, at the following location: https://www.medtronic.com/security

Category

6.2
CVSS
Severity: Medium
CVSS 3.1 •
CVSS 3.0 •
CVSS 2.0 •
EPSS 0.09%
Third-Party Advisory us-cert.gov
Affected: Medtronic 24950 MyCareLink Monitor
Affected: Medtronic 24952 MyCareLink Monitor
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Link Tags
https://global.medtronic.com/xg-en/product-security/security-bulletins/mycarelink-6-28-18.html
https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSMA-18-179-01 us government resource third party advisory

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2018-8868?
CVE-2018-8868 has been scored as a medium severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2018-8868?
To fix CVE-2018-8868: Medtronic will release several rolling over-the-air product updates that will mitigate the vulnerabilities described within this advisory. These updates will be applied to devices automatically as part of standard, reoccurring update processes. In addition, Medtronic has increased security monitoring of affected devices and related infrastructure. Medtronic has released additional patient focused information, at the following location: https://www.medtronic.com/security
Is CVE-2018-8868 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2018-8868 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2018-8868?
CVE-2018-8868 affects Medtronic 24950 MyCareLink Monitor, Medtronic 24952 MyCareLink Monitor.
This platform uses data from the NIST NVD, MITRE CVE, MITRE CWE, First.org and CISA KEV but is not endorsed or certified by these entities. CVE is a registred trademark of the MITRE Corporation and the authoritative source of CVE content is MITRE's CVE web site. CWE is a registred trademark of the MITRE Corporation and the authoritative source of CWE content is MITRE's CWE web site.
© 2025 Under My Watch. All Rights Reserved.